Tucson’s premier gay men’s chorus will be traveling to Mexico to perform its show “Beyond the Border,” a tribute to musical traditions from around the world. The program will include songs from Africa, Ireland, England, Peru, Cuba, Jamaica, Spain, and of course, Mexico. The chorus will be performing concerts in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City traveling at their own expense, and all money raised will go to local AIDS/HIV support organizations in those cities. Benefiting from this event and leading the charge in Vallarta will be Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C., Banderas Bay’s new HIV/AIDS Organization.

The mission of Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. is clear – to successfully reduce the number of new cases of HIV infection in Puerto Vallarta, including residents and visitors alike, and to assist persons and families already affected by HIV by providing the most current and comprehensive information, counseling and assistance available. They will also work to reduce the stigma associated with HIV infection, thereby encouraging an increase in HIV testing among vulnerable communities. “AIDS has not been defeated and continues to affect people of all ages, nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds,” stated Paul Crist, organization President. “Our goal is to assist on the social and mental health side of the problem, leaving medical care in the capable hands of the newly opened clinic.”

This benefit concert will be the first of many events to support the newly formed non-profit organization. The organization is 100% funded by donations and depends on the support and assistance of the Puerto Vallarta business community as well as members of the general public who are able to help. The organization will build alliances with local, state and national health care policy agencies, both public and private, as well as with local health care providers, local groups and organizations, while seeking the moral and economic support of diverse sectors of society in order to achieve their goals of educating the public about HIV and to reduce the number of those affected.

Tickets for the benefit concert are $200 Pesos (Premium) and $100 Pesos (Regular) and are available from: Hotel Mercurio (Francisca Rodríguez 168, Zona Romantica) at 322-222-4793, Bar Sama (Olas Altas, Zona Romantica) at 322-222-7318, Paradise VIP (Lazaro Cardenas, Zona Romantica), Liquid Men’s Clothing (Ignacio Vallarta 274-A, Zona Romantica) at 322-223-3165, Garbo Lounge (Pulpito 142, Zona Romantica), Banana Cantina Restaurant (Amapas at Pulpito, Zona Romantica), BLU by Len Salon (Olas Altas, Zona Romantica), PVRPV Condo Rentals (Francisca Rodríguez, Zona Romantica). Interested individuals or organizations that would like to support Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C., are encouraged to call 322-222-4793 (in Puerto Vallarta), 1-866-388-2689 (toll free from US & Canada), by e-mailing the organization directly at paulcrist@vallartacontrasida.com or by going online at www.vallartaenfrentaelsida.org . Additional information on Tucson’s Gay Men’s Chorus can be found at www.reveillegmc.com.